Zanbatō

Chinese zhǎn mǎ dāo, one of the swords thought to be the basis for the zanbatō.

Zanbatō(斬馬刀), an especially large, single-edged sword dating to the Heian period of historical Japan. The name zanbatō translates to "horse-slaying sword" or "horse-chopping saber". Original examples came from Song Dynasty China and were employed by anti-cavalry infantry in the same manner.[1]

Zhanmadao, a Chinese anti-cavalry weapon that originated during the Han Dynasty 206 BC- 220 AD and became especially common during the Song Dynasty written also as 斬馬刀 (zhǎn mǎ dāo) is of similar proportion to a Zanbatō, although some variants differs in form. Surviving examples include a sword that might resemble a nagamaki in construction; it had a wrapped handle 37 cm (15 in) long, like the Zanbatō. However, the blade differed, having only a slight curve in the last half, whereas the Zanbatō's curve stretches the length of the blade and handle, similar to a katana.[2]

The fictional interpretation of the weapon consists of a large, wide blade attached to an extended, pole-like hilt. The sword, and variations of it, are used by many characters in anime and video games. These interpretations often simply depict the weapon as an oversized sword or being imbued with magical properties. However, the weapon which most closely resembles such instances is the eku, or "wooden oar".

A few notable series featuring Zanbatō include

In the manga/anime One Piece there are several Zanbato wielders. For example, - Arlong with his Kiribachi or Dracule Mihawk and his Named Sword Yoru.

In the classic manga Kozure Ōkami, known in the west as Lone Wolf and Cub, the main character Ogami Ittō employs a swordsmanship technique called Sui'ō-ryū Zanbatō as one of his most lethal attacks, although using a dōtanuki to perform it.[4]

In the manga/anime Naruto four of the seven swords of the Mist (Kubikiribōchō, Samehada, Hiramekarei, and Shibuki) are zanbatos.

Also in episode 137 - A Town of Outlaws, The Shadow of the Fuma Clan it is said that a Fuma's sword is one.

In the video game Final Fantasy VII both the main character Cloud and main villain Sephiroth wield massive Zanbato style blades, known as The "Buster Sword" (relatively short and very large) and "Masamune" (extremely long and thin) respectively.

In Final Fantasy X, the Aeon Yojimbo can use a Zanmato katana to instantly defeat any enemy.[5]

In manga/anime series Bleach the main character's (Kurosaki Ichigo) sword takes the form of an Butcher knife styled Zanbato.